History

Wayman Chapel enjoys a rich history.

In the beginning, services were held in the homes of members. The first sanctuary was the Sharp and Duyhuff Hall, which was rented and located in the Armstrong — Landon building south of the square in the downtown district.

Rev. Johnson Burden, a circuit rider, became the first pastor in the year 1869. He was succeeded by the Rev. H.H. Thompson, the first pastor to live in Kokomo.

During his pastorate in 1872, the first church property was purchased near the intersection of Richmond and LaFountain streets. Shortly thereafter, a building was erected.

Wayman Kokomo Church

1909 - 2014

Timeline

1909

The present property was purchased

and the original edifice was erected under the pastorate Rev. W.C. lrvin.

1922

A pipe organ was purchased and installed

under the pastorate of Rev. W.D. Shannon.
1982

Chapel undertook a massive building project

under the pastorate of Rev. Robert Kirk, Sr.

1983

The first church service held in the new south wing

also under the pastorate of Rev. Robert Kirk Sr., who served Wayman for fourteen years

1990

The church purchased a new parsonage

located at 2226 Saratoga

1991

Bishop J. Haskell Mayo appointed the Rev. Dr. Michael C. Carson

to serve Wayman Church
2002

The Howard Historical Society Award

The Howard Historical Society honored and presented Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with the high distinction of officially being recognized as a “Historical Site” in Howard County, Indiana

2004

Saratoga parsonage was sold

2005

Rev. Darryl Scott became pastor

for three years
2007

a faithful member, Willa Mae Johnson, donated the “Johnson House”

to the church

2008

Rev. Frederick Greene pastored

for one year
2009

Bishop John R. Bryant appointed Rev. Louis S. Parham

for the last 51/2 years to serve as pastor of Wayman

2014

Bishop John R. Bryant appointed Rev. William Gary

to serve as pastor of Wayman
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Each pastor in accordance with his unique abilities along with many gifted members and friends has greatly contributed to the spiritual and material progress of this church, which is known as the “Wayman Family”